One Of The Most Rustic Restaurants In Northern California Is Also One Of The Most Delicious

Running Iron Restaurant and Saloon in Carmel Valley Village, California, is about as rustic as you can get. Named for a type of branding iron used in the old west by rustlers, this spot will give you cowboy vibes and take care of your cowboy-sized appetite.

Originally opened decades ago as a saloon, Running Iron Restaurant has been a family restaurant since 1980.

Pairs of cowboy boots, saddles, and hats decorate the exposed rafters.

The walls are covered in unique artifacts from a bygone era.

Photographs, signs, and old license plates help you pass the time with a game of eye spy.

Running Irons menu proves that rustic food can be much more than a can of beans on an open fire.

If you love a good salad, even when you're at a cowboy bar, the grilled chicken chef salad will not disappoint.

You can't beat the fried chicken and mashed potatoes, and don't forget to eat your veggies!

The burgers are unbelievable at the Running Iron.

You have lots of options to dress your burger up. Choose from the Valley Burger with avocado and bacon, The Ranch Burger with BBQ sauce and onion rings, or the TPJ burger with teriyaki and pineapple.

The real star of the show is the steak right off the grill.

You can stick with the classic baked potato or give the fried artichoke hearts a try.

Running Iron also serves up freshly made Mexican favorites.

Try a slice of pie with ice cream for dessert.

Bring along your furry friend and sit on the pet-friendly outdoor patio.

Live music is playing on the weekends!

You don't have to wear boots to appreciate the rustic grub at the Running Iron Restaurant and Saloon.